Romans # 27 Rom 15-14 thru 16-27

     We’re going to continue with the book of Romans, but today we’re going to conclude the teaching on Romans, (Even if we have to go to midnight). In the 1st few Vs of (Romans 15) Paul is still on a practical note. He’s teaching on how we should be treating one another.

     I. 1st of all he tells them to bear the infirmities of the weak, please his neighbor for his good to edification, be like-minded one toward another, and receive one another.

              A. ROM 15:14-16

                        1. In (V 14) Paul says, “I myself also am persuaded,” The Greek is close to that, the Greek says, “I stand convinced.”

                                  a. Paul said that they were “full of goodness, filled with all knowledge.”

                                  b. “Filled with all knowledge” means that they had a full understanding of the Word of God.” They had enough of the Word to give them victory in their lives. (We have more than enough).

                                           i. When he says, they were “able also to admonish one another,” the NIV probably words it better which says, “competent to instruct one another.”

                                           ii. Paul most have thought that the Christians at Rome were somewhat spiritual mature.

                        2. In (V 15) Paul says, “I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind.”

                                  a. Paul was using this in the past tense to the readers, which means that there must have been another letter (or a note) to the Church at Rome which was never found.

                                           i. When Paul says, “Putting you in mind” means that he was bringing to their remembrance.

                                  b. Paul said he could do this “Because of the grace that is given to me of God.”

                                           i. Paul was sent to the Gentiles, and this was his calling, to instruct the Gentiles.

              B. ROM 15:17-19

                        1. Paul is basically saying that he preached the Gospel and the Lord confirmed the Word with signs following and it was done by the power of the Holy Spirit.

                        2. ROM 15:20-22

                                  a. Paul said in (V 20) that he strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named.

                                           i. This is the work of an Evangelist.

                                           ii. Preaching the Gospel where Christ is not known.

                                  b. You might be thinking, “But wasn’t Paul an Apostle?”

                                           i. Yes he was, but a true apostle has to stand in all of the 5 fold ministries gifts from time to time.

                                  c. They’re going out to start new churches where no one knows about Jesus. That takes an Evangelist.

                                           i. Once people get saved he needs to start a church and Pastor it for a while.

                                           ii. He will need the Prophetic anointing to correct problem in the church and problem that are outside the church. (Aimed to destroy)

                                           iii. And of course he will have to teach them the Word of God. (The office of a teacher.)

                                  d. Paul always felt led to preach where no man had preached before.

                                           i. The reason for that Paul said, “lest I should build upon another man’s foundation.”

                                           ii. The church at Rome was not started by Paul, this is why he said that he was hindered from coming to them.

              C. ROMANS 15:23-24

                        1. This is Paul talking about his plans to come to Rome.

                        2. ROM 15:25-27

                                  a. Some of the Gentiles took up an offering for the purpose of sending it to The Christians Jews at Jerusalem.

                                           i. This was a voluntary contribution, but Paul said that it was only right.

                                           ii. The Gentiles partook in the Jews spiritual blessings, it’s only right that the Jews would partake in the carnal things.

                        3. ROM 15:28-29

                                  i. Paul said that he was going to go to Jerusalem 1st then come to Rome.

                                  ii. Paul said in (V 29) that he would come “in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.”

                                  iii. Christians need to know who they are in Christ, without getting lifted up in pride.

                        4. ROM 15:30-33

                                  a. Paul is asking for prayer that his work in Jerusalem would be fruitful.

                                           i. This tells us that we should pray for those in the ministry. We need your prayer. If the enemy could stop any group of people, he would stop those in the ministry. (Even those in service here).

     II. SKIP ROM 16:1-16

              A. ROM 16:17-20

                        1. Most of the commentaries that I read didn’t know exactly what Paul meant here.

                                  a. It could mean total victory.

                                  b. It could mean those that come against the Gospel will be stopped.

                                  c. Or it could mean that Jesus will return and the future destine of Satan being thorn into the Lake of Fire.

                                           i. Either way it’s good.

                        2. Skip ROM 16:21-23

              B. ROM 16:24

                        1. Paul repeats his closing here from (ROM 16:20b)

              C. ROM 16:25-27

                        1. In (V 25) Paul says, “to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel.

                                  a. The word “Stablish” would be better translated “Establish.”

                                  b. Which means cause you to stand. He says how this is done by the Gospel, the Word of God.

                        2. In (V 25b) Paul makes the statement “Revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.”

                                  a. Refers to the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ which was hid in the OT, but now revealed, or made manifest. (V 26)

                                  b. Paul then says why this Gospel was revealed (at the end of V 26).

                                           i. God made it known to all nations for the obedience of faith. Salvation.

                        3. In (V 27) Paul ends his letter with a bit of praise to God, He says, “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”

                                  a. The wisdom of God is displayed through the Lord Jesus Christ.

                                  b. In Paul’s final closing the Greek says he’s referring to the God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and it says, “To whom be glory forever! Amen.”

Thurs. 2/1/96